Location: Boston Start Term: Fall
As an optometrist, you have the power to help patients improve their vision and see the world through a brighter lens. This program allows you to begin your education focused on your career goals, so you’ll be well prepared to start treating patients on the first day of your new career.
In this professional pathway, you have the opportunity to earn a combined Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies (BS) and Doctor of Optometry (OD) from MCPHS in seven or eight years. During either three years in the accelerated track or four years in the traditional track at MCPHS in Boston, you’ll receive a challenging baccalaureate curriculum that prepares you for professional study. You’ll spend the next four years at MCPHS in Worcester to complete the professional education required for the Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree.
Already have a bachelor's degree? Learn more about the Doctor of Optometry program on our Worcester campus.
First-year applicants can view their admission requirements on the Undergraduate Applicants page.
Students with 12 or more college credits may transfer in to the first or second year of the program. Courses must have been completed at a regionally accredited college or university with a grade of C or better for transfer. Math and science courses taken more than ten years prior to the anticipated date of matriculation to MCPHS will not be accepted.
While there are no specific required courses for entry into the first year of our program, the admission committee will look for success in any math and science courses you have already taken. If you complete any of the courses listed below, you may receive transfer credit and your first year course load may be lighter. However, due to the block registration nature of MCPHS programs, entering the first year of the program with transfer credits will not change the total length of your program. Courses, other than elective courses, may not be moved forward in your schedule.
Linked courses are available through the MCPHS School of Professional Studies.
(Variations on this curriculum are possible. Please see the MCPHS University Catalog for a detailed description of the program curriculum.)
COURSE
TITLE
SEMESTER HOURS
BIO 151/150L
Biology I (w/lab)
4
CHE 131/131L
Chemical Principles I (w/lab)
ITM 101
Introduction to the Major
1
LIB 111
Expository Writing I
3
MAT 151
Calculus I
BIO 152/152L
Biology II (w/lab)
CHE 132/132L
Chemical Principles II (w/lab)
LIB 112
Expository Writing II
LIB 120
Introduction to Psychology
MAT 152
Calculus II
CHE 231/231L
Organic Chemistry I (w/lab)
LIB 133
American Culture, Identity, and Public Life
LIB 205
Health Professions Orientation
PHY 280/280L
Physics I (with lab)
Behavioral Science Elective
Humanities Elective
PHY 284/284L
Physics II (with lab)
CHE 232/234L
Organic Chemistry II (w/lab)
LIB 220
Introduction to Interpersonal Communication for Health Professionals
Social Science Elective
BIO 360
Cellular Biochemistry
MAT 261
Statistics
BIO 351
Advanced Anatomy & Physiology I
General Elective
LIB 512
Healthcare Ethics
BIO 255/255L
Medical Microbiology (w/lab)
BIO 352
Advanced Anatomy & Physiology II
Liberal Arts Elective
Students accepted into the School of Optometry Accelerated Program begin the program after year 3. Students who plan to complete 4 years of MCPHS undergraduate work continue to year IV of PMHS BS program: a pathway change form may need to be completed.
General Electives
11
LIB 480
Premedical and Health Studies Capstone Seminar
9
Find out what makes this program unique at MCPHS.
Optometry Professor Larry Baitch, OD, PhD, FAAO, researches early detection of rare eye toxicity.
Professor Thomas Freddo, OD, PhD, appointed by the WHO to help develop sustainable healthcare development goals around the world.